Fable III Review

The road to rule is paved with grand promises and gaseous emissions.

Fable III feels like the game that Fable II should have been. It has a lot in common with its predecessor, though now it exists in a much more streamlined, accessible, and enjoyable format. But simply calling it a more refined version of its predecessor would be a disservice, because Fable III offers several innovative improvements, some excellent and emotional moments, and whole lot of fun...even if it is a bit buggy and rather disjointed.

A half-century has passed since the events of Fable II. The industrial age has come to Albion, and with it oppression, despair, and hunger. Children toil in factories while beggars line the smog-filled streets. A ruthless tyrant -- the son of Fable II's hero -- sits on the throne, squeezing the life out of his subjects. Albion needs a new hero and that's where you come in. As the brother or sister of the despot king, it's your charge to amass an army sizable enough to overthrow the king and restore hope to Albion.

It's a typical fairy-tale story, though Fable III is anything but typical. The base gameplay design is very close to past Fable games. You'll go on quests, fight with hobbes, collect various hidden goodies, and explore an open and flexible world filled with very British humor. Everything is more streamlined this go around with less clutter and traditional role-playing to get in your way -- which some may cry foul at, though I rather enjoyed.

What makes Fable III feel unique is the layer of politics wrapped around the standard Fable setup. The whole point of the game is to gather enough followers so that you can progress down the "road to rule," thereby unlocking new gameplay elements, upgrading your character, and ultimately sacking the throne. It's a lot like running for political office. Completing quests, handing out money to beggars, shaking hands, and making promises to important leaders are all ways you can prove your worth as a hero.

And once you do, that's where things get interesting.

I love swinging that hammer.

Unlike most fairy tales or games, simply becoming the king or queen is not the end. All of the campaign promises you made and people you met will come calling with demands and you'll be tasked with running the show. This is a portion of the game that feels wholly unique, and forces the player into making real decisions with real consequences. Though Fable III is not a difficult game -- even novice players will likely finish without ever getting knocked out -- I found the decisions you have to make to be some of the most challenging and stressful moments in gaming this year. It's emotional and intriguing, and there's no easy way out. Your worth as a ruler will be tested. You can be good or evil, but the question is often more of what you feel is morally right. This section of the game is a fantastic climax -- I just wish it was a bit longer.

This portion, and other excellent story elements in Fable III, could be even more impactful if the game didn't feel so disjointed and lacking in cohesive direction. Like past Fable games, this one does not shy away from puns, cheap jokes, and the absurd. One moment you'll be walking down the street, listening to the wails of children forced to work in factories. The next, you'll be given the option of burping in their face or fist bumping a beggar while wearing a chicken costume. The jokes and immature bathroom humor that Lionhead injects so liberally into Fable III are at times hilarious, but often do a disservice to the overall sense of cohesion.